I'm so excited for this show! I remember when it was really reallllly new and Allie Trimm had just taken on a workshop role. I only knew of this show because I was obsessed with 13 and saw Allie say something about it on her facebook page. I didn't even know who Telly, Lea, or George were. (I was in 7th grade okay this was the beginning of my musical theatre obsession). Nonetheless, this is the kind of story that NEEDS to be told. The american chapter of Japanese internment is so often forgotten and I'm glad a medium like the stage can tell its story. Not only will it shed light on the issue but it'll also give Asian actors jobs that aren't character/stereotypical roles in the process!
Well, it sounds like Salonga's involvement is pinned on how negotiations turn out (not surprising), but her wording here is more hopeful than the previous caution.
Jordan, that's so cool that you attended a reading. May I ask, are "Second Chances" and "The Mountain's Heart" still in the score? I love these versions on youtube, but of course things change as a show goes through various productions.
Also, Jon Jon Briones is currently the Engineer (just nominated for an Olivier Award for his performance) in the London-Miss Saigon revival and I hear he'll come over for the Broadway run next season so he's not going to be involved with Allegiance...he was only in the ensemble.
"Anything you do, let it it come from you--then it will be new."
Sunday in the Park with George
So happy for JonJon Briones and the continued success of Miss Saigon. Saw the show last Nov and it is as amazing as the original Broadway production!! I would be so excited if Allegiance and Miss Saigon came to Broadway in the same season!!! But I will still plan my NYC trip if only Allegiance has opened! :)
"Allegiance, a new American musical, set to open on Broadway next season at the Longacre Theatre (220 West 48th Street). Previews are set to begin on Tuesday, October 6, 2015 with opening night set for Sunday, November 8, 2015." Tony Winner Lea Salonga & Telly Leung to Join George Takei in ALLEGIANCE on Broadway!Updated On: 3/12/15 at 01:22 PM
"What was wrong about him? Too young or? What other Asian male lead would people feel is more appropriate?"
The character needed to be a charismatic leader and Telly came off a little mousy, just wasn't believable for me. Of course I don't know what Paolo Montalban would have been like in the role but he might have been good in it. Then again, I believe Telly is a producer on the show so it was inevitable that he would be cast.
Glad Salonga is back on Broadway and that Leung is being kept. Nothing motivates an actor to sign their contract like having an audition notice posted for their role, huh?
I'm so excited they're all officially in the show now. Seriously, I think this score is GORGEOUS and I can't wait to especially hear Salonga belt these songs out.